Assured Food Standards (AFS), the company which owns and operates Red Tractor Assurance, has appointed Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe as its new chairman.
Baroness Neville-Rolfe grew up on a mixed farm in Wiltshire and was a government minister, most recently at the Treasury, from 2014 until June this year.
More than 15 years of her career has been spent at Tesco where she was on the main board from 2006 to 2013.
The new appointment will see her representing the assurance scheme at the very highest level.
On behalf of the owners of AFS, NFU Director General Terry Jones, said: “Lucy brings a wealth of relevant experience to this role at a crucial time for Red Tractor.
“Moreover, her strong links with the food industry, government and understanding of farming mean that she is uniquely placed to oversee and support the future development of this flagship for British food.”
Baroness Neville-Rolfe will take post on Monday (20 November), filling the role left vacant following Jim Moseley’s move from non-executive chairman to chief executive of Red Tractor Assurance.
She said: “I am delighted to be returning to an industry I love.
“I have watched the Red Tractor Assurance scheme grow to become a hugely important part of food and agriculture in the UK.
“The Red Tractor logo must remain the mark of quality, safety and traceability. I will use my experience in government and in the private sector to maximise the value of the scheme to producers and consumers.”
Before Tesco, Baroness Neville-Rolfe was a civil servant serving in 10 Downing Street and in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food where, among other things, she was the lead official on the 1990 Food Safety Act.
Prior to becoming a minister in 2014 she also held a number of non-executive directorships including positions at ITV, PWC, 2 Sisters Food Group and large German wholesaler, Metro.
She was also president of EuroCommerce – the European retailer and wholesaler organisation – from 2012 to 2014.
AFS is an independent body owned by the food chain and is responsible for managing and promoting the Red Tractor Assurance scheme and the consumer logo.
Suffolk farmer Andrew Blenkiron continues in his role as vice chairman.